Fifty-five million euros. That’s how much it cost to rebuild the Wasserwerkbrücke. A hefty price tag for a bridge. But this isn’t just any bridge. The Wasserwerkbrücke in Karlsruhe isn’t just a crossing. It’s a vital link. It connects the Südstadt to the Oberwald. It spans the railway tracks. It even crosses the Südtangente. A significant artery in the city’s circulatory system.
Built between 1894 and 1895 the original Wasserwerkbrücke served the city well for almost a century. Its story is one of utility and then of decline. Then the Eisenbahnkreuzungsgesetz changed things in 1994. The city became responsible for its upkeep. By 1998 it was too damaged for cars. A section of its support structure was compromised. So, it closed to traffic.
For years plans for a complete rebuild were drawn up. But costs skyrocketed. Especially the price of steel. So the project stalled. Instead a temporary repair took place. Focusing on the most damaged section. It was a stop gap.
Then in 2018 the actual reconstruction began. The city allocated 5.5 million euros. Demolition lasted until October. Rebuilding followed. Then on July 24 2019. The new Wasserwerkbrücke opened. Ahead of schedule. Klaus Gündchen’s artwork. A striking piece. Now adorns the bridge’s “mini-balcony”.
The new design is a triumph of engineering. It’s a steel composite structure. With a distinctive “load-bearing surface” cross-section. This is thanks to the lateral aluminum guardrail above the overhead lines. It’s the result of a city design competition. Krebs+Kiefer and GJL Architekten won. They designed it to meet modern Deutsche Bahn standards. For clearance under the bridge. The bridge stands once again. A symbol of resilience and urban renewal. A testament to Karlsruhe’s enduring spirit. A connection bridging past and future. And for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s the way into the beautiful Oberwald. A perfect spot for a relaxing walk.